DAILY NEWS: Universal's New Specialty Division; Hampton's Lineup

>> Universal Launches Specialty Division; Movies to Be Released Through USA Films

Universal Pictures has announced the formation of what is being described as an “in-house specialty division.” Interestingly the new IndieWood unit, to be headed by Claudia Gray and Paul Hardart, will be distributing movies through USA Films, the company created when October Films, Gramercy Picturesand Polygram assets were combined after Universal sold them to Barry Diller‘s USA Networks. Universal Studios owns 45% of USA Films.

Universal Co-Chairmen Brian Mulligan and Stacey Snider announced the new division this week, naming Gray as executive vice president and Hardart as senior vice president. Gray is the former executive vice president of publicity at Gramercy and Hardart was the vice president of strategic planning at Universal Pictures.

“As a complement to the slate of broad-based feature films distributed by Universal Pictures,” explained Mulligan, “An in-house specialty film division enables us to fully leverage the diversity of our portfolio, and increase our flexibility to maximize results.”

According to a company announcement the new division will handle niche productions and acquisitions from Universal Pictures International, domestic movies, Working Title projects, and classic re-releases. Upcoming releases are Ted Field‘s “Pitch Black,” Ang Lee‘s “Ride with the Devil,” Spike Jonze‘ “Being John Malkovich,” Ridley Scott‘s “Where the Money Is,” and the upcoming “Plunkett & MacLeane,” directed by Ridley’s son, Jake.Also on the upcoming slate is a newly-restored version of Alfred Hitchcock‘s “Rear Window.”

>> 7th Hamptons Fest to Open with Lurie’s “Deterrence”

Rod Lurie‘s “Deterrence” will open the 1999 Hampton’s International Film Festival (HIFF) on October 20th, while Wes Craven‘s “Music of the Heart” will close the fest fours days later. This year the event boasts ten world premieres among its lineup of over 100 movies. Jeanne Moreau will be honored with the 1999 HIFF Tribute to Independent Vision and the spotlight films are Adrienne Shelly‘s “I’ll Take You There“, Luis Galvao Teles‘ “Women/Elles” and Gavin O’Connor‘s “Tumbleweeds.”